Bed bug control – Bug Busters USA, Inc.https://bugbustersusa.com
Just another Nichelabs websiteMon, 21 Jan 2019 20:52:33 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9One Tormented Woman Set Herself and Her Apartment On Fire Because of Bedbugshttps://bugbustersusa.com/2018/05/31/one-tormented-woman-set-herself-and-her-apartment-on-fire-because-of-bedbugs/
Thu, 31 May 2018 05:02:29 +0000https://bugbustersusa.com/?p=43204Can you imagine being so tormented by a bug infestation that you would go to such lengths as dousing you and your apartment in alcohol, set fire to your apartment, and almost die from the ensuing fire just to get rid of them? I can kind of understand this method if the insects were giant…

Sherry Young moved into an apartment unit on the west side of Detroit, which she was placed in by Travelers Aid after living homeless for a time. After moving in, she began to notice marks popping up on her body, but simply chalked it up to a normal acne breakout. But, the marks didn’t disappear and began multiplying, covering almost her entire body. When she saw what she thought might be a bedbug, which her neighbor had just been dealing with in the apartment next to her, she called Travelers Aid and they sent in an exterminator to get rid of them with a treatment that was supposed to be good for keeping bedbugs dead and gone for six months. When she started getting bites again mere weeks later, someone from the apartment complex then also called in an exterminator, which also didn’t work.

Young began to become desperate when the bugs would just reappear soon after they were supposedly eradicated. She tried moving to a different unit, but another one wasn’t open. She tried running a steam machine all over her sheets, but the bedbugs would simply evade her by running onto the ceiling and then dropping down on her head when the coast was clear. With bedbugs all over her home, her body covered in bites (she was bathing twice a day at this point), and no hope in sight Young felt like she was in a horror movie. After living for a year with bedbugs, she was getting way beyond desperate.

Following advice from a neighbor, she decided to try using heat to force the bugs out, turning her stove and oven on to heat up the place while she slept in her car for one night. Young thought alcohol might also help, so she bought 20 bottles to use. Before entering her apartment after she had heated it up, Young doused her body in the rubbing alcohol, not realizing that the fumes would immediately cause a fire. “I didn’t know that the fumes were so ignitable,” she said. “Had I known that, I would not have doused myself before going into the apartment.” When she opened the door, the house was a hot as a sauna and everything was hot to the touch. Young began dousing the floor with alcohol, but when she went to open another bottle after she had been pouring the alcohol close to the oven, she noticed the floor was on fire…right where she as standing, and so was she. The fire destroyed much of the apartment complex and even displaced some of her fellow residents, leaving them with no place to live. Young herself almost died from the burns, and was then also without a home. “I’m trying to get back to my life, and now these … bugs have taken all of my hopes and dreams and aspirations away,” she said between sobs. “I’m feeling desperate. I’m being tormented. I’m living in a nightmare.”

Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a bedbug infestation that was this bad? How did you or they handle the situation?

]]>Why Are Bed Bugs Spreading At Such A Rapid Rate Today?https://bugbustersusa.com/2018/05/09/why-are-bed-bugs-spreading-at-such-a-rapid-rate-today/
Wed, 09 May 2018 14:21:42 +0000https://bugbustersusa.com/?p=43155Why Are Bed Bugs Spreading At Such A Rapid Rate Today? Given all of the bed bug-related news stories that we cannot help but to hear about today, it is hard to believe that these blood sucking insects were once rare in North America. For several decades, a particular insecticide known as DDT had largely…

Given all of the bed bug-related news stories that we cannot help but to hear about today, it is hard to believe that these blood sucking insects were once rare in North America. For several decades, a particular insecticide known as DDT had largely eradicated all bed bug populations within the United States. However, during the early seventies, the use of DDT became prohibited. Many people have since blamed the modern bed bug epidemic on the forced discontinuation of DDT usage. However, even if DDT had never been outlawed, we would likely still have the same bed bug problem that we have today. This is due to the fact that by the time DDT was outlawed, many bed bug populations had already developed a genetic resistance to the formula’s toxic effects. It would be unfair to blame the full extent of the modern bed bug epidemic on the lack of DDT use during recent decades. When it comes to the rapid spread of bed bugs across the world, some experts believe that human social behaviors may be partly to blame.

Not only do people tend to panic upon learning about bed bug infestations within their homes, but the thought of others finding out about their bed bug infestations can also trigger panic. This is because many people feel embarrassed to admit to their past bed bug issues. Although bed bugs do not spread disease, there is still a stigma attached to bed bug infestations that people do not want to be associated with. It is commonly, and of course, incorrectly believed that bed bug infestations are associated with filth and impoverished conditions. Naturally, people often keep their bed bug infestations secret in order to avoid giving others the impression that they are filthy and impoverished. However, according to Lynne Gregory with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there should not be any stigma associated with bed bugs since a five star hotel is just as likely to contract bed bugs as a run-down motel six.

In reality, the relative cleanliness of conditions does not have an influence on the probability of developing bed bug infestations. Many experts believe that this negative stigma is a problem because it keeps people from reporting bed bug infestations. If people did not feel ashamed to report infestations, then pest control officials would have an easier time tracking bed bug population movements. Bed bug control measures would become more effective if accurate data concerning the number of infestations were to be available to experts. If this stigma were to be eradicated with knowledge concerning bed bugs, then they would probably be much less of a problem in the world.

If you found out that your home was infested with bed bugs would you feel hesitant to report the problem?

]]>Why Are So Many Paramedics Finding Bedbug infestations?https://bugbustersusa.com/2017/12/14/many-paramedics-finding-bedbug-infestations/
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 15:57:57 +0000https://bugbustersusa.com/?p=42816Why Are So Many Paramedics Finding Bedbug infestations? It is no secret that bedbugs are becoming more and more problematic for all people around the world. Many people over the age of forty can remember a time when bedbugs were not an issue at all. Hopefully, at some point in the future bedbugs will cease…

It is no secret that bedbugs are becoming more and more problematic for all people around the world. Many people over the age of forty can remember a time when bedbugs were not an issue at all. Hopefully, at some point in the future bedbugs will cease to be a problem. Most bug pests are at least beneficial in some ways. Termites, for instance, aerate soil and remove dead organic waste from the environment. But bedbugs do not seem beneficial on any level. Bedbugs would not be missed if they were to become extinct. Now some professionals are seeing bedbugs regularly, and these professionals are not exterminators. As it turns out, some paramedics and other EMT workers are seeing bedbug infestations on a normal basis. Bedbugs have even managed to infest ambulances. But why?

Most of you can probably guess why EMT workers come into contact with bedbugs more so than most other groups of professionals. EMT workers often venture into many different homes in order to tend to medical emergencies. Since bedbug populations are increasing, homes that are visited by EMT staff are sometimes infested with bedbugs. These bedbugs can find their way into ambulances by hitching rides on EMT professionals themselves. A more likely scenario has bedbugs being transported to ambulances by medically compromised individuals who live in bedbug infested homes. These individuals likely have bedbugs present on the clothes they are wearing. Once they are brought to an ambulance, bedbugs can easily infest certain areas of the vehicle. Also, bedbugs can reach an ambulance via the medical equipment used by EMT workers.

Calhoun County paramedics in South Carolina recently discovered bedbugs in an ambulance. It turned out that a patient who was brought into the hospital had an infestation of bedbugs within his home. According to Crystal Youmans, Assistant EMS Director for Calhoun County, bedbugs are becoming a problem for EMS workers all over the United States. Calhoun County paramedics are now limiting the amount of medical equipment that they bring into homes. Youmans believes this measure will reduce the likelihood of bedbug infestations within ambulances and other locations.

]]>Bed Bug Signs!https://bugbustersusa.com/2017/07/14/signs-of-bed-bug-bites-health-checks/
Fri, 14 Jul 2017 05:23:31 +0000https://bugbustersusa.com/?p=42417Some common signs of bed bugs include: Pepper-like stains on fabric-covered items Molted bed bug skins The bugs themselves in various life stages White eggs and empty egg casings All travelers should thoroughly inspect the room for the presence of these bed bug indicators upon arriving at their intended destination. This includes pulling back the…

All travelers should thoroughly inspect the room for the presence of these bed bug indicators upon arriving at their intended destination. This includes pulling back the bed sheets to examine the mattress seams, checking behind the headboard and looking in furniture crevices. A small flashlight can help aide in this investigation. If a bed bug infestation is suspected, guests should immediately notify management or property owners, and request a new, non-adjacent room.

]]>0Bug Busters USA shares top signs of a bed bug infestationhttps://bugbustersusa.com/2017/06/05/bug-busters-usa-shares-top-signs-of-a-bed-bug-infestation/
https://bugbustersusa.com/2017/06/05/bug-busters-usa-shares-top-signs-of-a-bed-bug-infestation/#respondMon, 05 Jun 2017 09:08:25 +0000http://blog.bugbustersusa.com/?p=40264Bug Busters USA shares top signs of a bed bug infestation Whether at home or traveling for summer vacation, bed bugs could be a key concern. Although named for their habit of feeding on human hosts in bed, they can be found in all types of locations and items. To promote public awareness and…

Whether at home or traveling for summer vacation, bed bugs could be a key concern. Although named for their habit of feeding on human hosts in bed, they can be found in all types of locations and items. To promote public awareness and to help avoid infestations, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared June 4-10, 2017 as Bed Bug Awareness Week. Bug Busters USA is joining NPMA in this important public education effort by sharing common signs of a bed bug infestation to keep an eye out for this summer.

“Just like people enjoy traveling in the summer months, so do bed bugs, and they love using personal belongings like suitcases, boxes and shoes as a hiding place, just to be near a food supply,” said Court Parker, COO at Bug Busters USA. “With these biting pests being easily transported, it’s important to know the top signs of an infestation, so proper precautions can be put in place and to know when it’s time to call a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation.”

Bug Busters USA shares the following noteworthy signs and symptoms of a possible bed bug infestation:

Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery or walls

Molt bed bug skins, their white, sticky eggs or empty eggshells

Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms and other body parts exposed while sleeping

Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor

A 2015 study by NPMA and the University of Kentucky found that 99.6 percent of pest control professionals treated for bed bugs in the year prior. The study also found that while bed bug infestations are a year-round phenomenon, six out of ten pest control professionals noted seasonal differences in frequency, with “peak season” tending to be summertime.

“During the summer, travel increases and so does the likelihood of encountering bed bugs. We strongly encourage the public to take extra precautions to avoid encounters with these biting pests,” added Bug Busters USA Spokesperson Parker.”

]]>0Don’t Room With Bed Bugs This Fallhttps://bugbustersusa.com/2016/08/18/dont-room-with-bed-bugs-this-fall/
https://bugbustersusa.com/2016/08/18/dont-room-with-bed-bugs-this-fall/#respondThu, 18 Aug 2016 08:36:24 +0000http://blog.bugbustersusa.com/?p=39291Bug Busters USA Back to School Bed Bug Advice for College Students As college students prepare to return to campuses nationwide, many plan to bring secondhand furniture including mattresses, futons, dressers, couches and more. As bags are being packed, and students begin to move in, Bug Busters USA is urging students in the Southeast United…

As college students prepare to return to campuses nationwide, many plan to bring secondhand furniture including mattresses, futons, dressers, couches and more. As bags are being packed, and students begin to move in, Bug Busters USA is urging students in the Southeast United States to inspect new lodgings, personal belongings, and secondhand items, for bed bugs as these pests can cause painful, red itchy welts and can also spread quickly when introduced to new environments.

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), bed bugs pose serious concerns to dorm rooms and thrive in university environments as there are often many people living in a confined space. In fact, a 2015 survey, conducted by the NPMA and the University of Kentucky, found that bed bug infestations in the United States continue at high rates, with 99.6 percent of pest professionals treating for bed bugs in the year prior.

“Bed bugs are opportunistic and elusive pests,” says Court Parker, COO at Bug Busters USA “As students return from summers filled with travel they may unknowingly be transporting bed bugs to college campuses. Or, they could be returning to an environment where bed bugs are already a problem. It is essential that students inspect all belongings to help keep these pests at bay. Bed bugs are not only undesirable for students but also for parents who don’t want their children bringing these pests home on breaks.”

Bug Busters USA offers tips to help prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in dorms:

Fully inspect suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially if you have traveled during the summer. Wash all clothes, even those that haven’t been worn, in hot water.

On move-in day, thoroughly inspect the entire room including mattress seams on beds, behind the headboard and in furniture using a flashlight for good visibility. If you see anything suspect, immediately contact a university facility manager or landlord.

If you are considering bringing “secondhand” furniture to campus, properly inspect it for telltale signs of bed bugs. If you notice and signs of shed skins, small blot marks/pepper-like stains do not bring it to campus.

Students are urged to follow prevention tips when packing for school and before unpacking in a new room. For more information on preventing bed bugs, visit www.bugbustersusa.com

]]>0Bed Bugs Getting Thick Skinnedhttps://bugbustersusa.com/2016/04/18/bed-bugs-getting-thick-skinned/
https://bugbustersusa.com/2016/04/18/bed-bugs-getting-thick-skinned/#respondMon, 18 Apr 2016 13:49:31 +0000http://blog.bugbustersusa.com/?p=37351Researchers have been working to try and discover why the life-ruining bed bugs have made a resurgence in this country. In the 1940s and 50s the launch of DTT and other strong insecticides mostly wiped out the country’s bed bug problem. But, in the last ten years there has been a global resurgence, and we’ve…

]]>Researchers have been working to try and discover why the life-ruining bed bugs have made a resurgence in this country. In the 1940s and 50s the launch of DTT and other strong insecticides mostly wiped out the country’s bed bug problem. But, in the last ten years there has been a global resurgence, and we’ve had no luck controlling this invasion. The researchers are also trying to find out what is making more and more of these pests increasingly resistant to insecticides. David Lilly from the University of Sydney and his team of researchers recently set out to get the answer to these questions once and for all.

Using scanning electron microscopy, Lilly and his team began a study on the bed bugs’ cuticle in particular. They compared the cuticles of bed bugs that were easily killed by insecticides to those that were able to resist chemicals. They found that the bed bugs that were able to resist the chemicals actually have thicker cuticles than those easily killed by insecticides. What’s more disturbing is that the more these bed bugs with thicker cuticles breed the more of these resistant bed bugs there are for us to fight against. And with each generation those cuticles continue to grow thicker and thicker in response to the stronger chemicals being used to eradicate them. However, this study may just finally help scientists find a way to develop more effective insecticides to use against bed bugs.

Have you ever had bed bug problems? How difficult was it for you to get rid of them?

]]>0Ever think your herbs you use for cooking can get rid of your bugs?https://bugbustersusa.com/2016/04/07/ever-think-your-herbs-you-use-for-cooking-can-get-rid-of-your-bugs/
https://bugbustersusa.com/2016/04/07/ever-think-your-herbs-you-use-for-cooking-can-get-rid-of-your-bugs/#respondThu, 07 Apr 2016 09:55:16 +0000http://blog.bugbustersusa.com/?p=37101Ever think your herbs you use for cooking can get rid of your bugs? Thinking about gardening this summer, but do not want the variety of bugs attacking your plants? Well there is a solution and it’s not using pesticides it is using kitchen ingredients. Plants have been around for millions of years and have…

]]>Ever think your herbs you use for cooking can get rid of your bugs?

Thinking about gardening this summer, but do not want the variety of bugs attacking your plants? Well there is a solution and it’s not using pesticides it is using kitchen ingredients. Plants have been around for millions of years and have certain natural chemicals that make them resistant to some bugs. However, as gardeners may know there are some bugs that still come around no matter what the plant may be. What researchers have found is when you plant a certain type of plant that you do not want to attract bugs, you can plant a second type of metabolism that may be found in your kitchen which are herbs. Someone who may be used to cooking spaghetti from scratch may use rosemary in their recipe. As it turns out it helps when you use the same thing for gardening as well. Other natural herbs used to help keep the pests away are thyme, oregano, basil, and lavender. These are just some suggestions for those gardeners out there, but if you feel like you cannot get rid of a pesky bug do not hesitate to call your local pest control company.